Agenda item

It was noted that the supporting report was based on the format and criteria previously presented to Schools Forum.

The need for school places in Slough was primarily due to the birth rate in Slough over a 9-year period increasing by 48%, with the impact of that still being felt.  The LA had considered and actioned a number of options to support this expansion.  The attention of members was drawn to Section 5 of the DfE Guidance explaining how the Growth Fund could be used.

Tony Madden explained that all calculations were based on the AWPU figures provided by  the LA’s Schools Finance and the paper showed how criteria was applied, with secondary AWPU being averaged for Key Stages 3 and 4.  Growth was being funded in the second year at academies between censuses as the fund was to support and compensate for any lag a school would experience.  It could support expansions for 7 years at primary, 5 years at secondary (being Years 7 -11).

10.05am: Kathy Perry was readmitted to the meeting

In the situation where a small number of additional pupils did not justify a bulge class, schools could be asked to go 2 over PAN in each class.  It was felt this was a useful option but had not yet been used. Schools Finance had added a caveat that, if Growth Fund was not available the LA could ask Schools Forum to review this criteria.

Tony Madden took the meeting through the supporting appendices:

Appendix A: very little change made in 2020/21. As no further underwriting was required for Grove Academy the line had been removed. There were two further contingency sums, one for a primary class but there would not be a bulge unless necessary and it was unknown whether Grove had opened a fifth Year 7 class and, if so, an extra teacher had been employed. If not required there would be a carry forward of £315,000.

Appendix B: it was noted this was the best estimate for 2021/22. Four schools had expanded and would continue to appear on reports, with one primary and two secondary contingency classes.  The correct AWPU had been used in line with the agreed figures and a carry forward of £121,617 was projected.

Appendix C:  the following years had been projected using the 2021/22 AWPU figures. There was a large increase as explained by Susan Woodland of over 10% but allowances had to be taken into account. AWPU for 2021-22 included an element for the Teachers’ Pay Grant and Teachers’ Pension Employers Contribution Grant which had previously been separate grants. At the end of 2022/23, the current carry forward was estimated to be £49,000.

In answer to a query, it was confirmed that if a school with a bulge class lost another class, with the overall number of classes remaining the same, there was no need for growth funding.  The Fund was primarily to support additional staffing costs.

It was confirmed that the AWPU now included the Teachers’ Pay and Pensions, making a significant difference between the primary and secondary AWPU rates quoted. These would even out going forward unless other grants were incorporated into the DSG.  It was suggested AWPU might be applied at the correct rates but it was pointed out this would result in a large increase from KS3 to KS4 as KS4 was weighted to include the exam element. In addition, it might not be to the advantage of primary schools to apply the individual AWPU rates, as historically the rates had always been averaged.

As recommended, Schools Forum:

AGREED:

•  the principles of allocations for 2021/22 and,
• the carry forward and top slice for 2021/22, which was in line with previous years and aligned with the Schools Block as noted by the Task Group and,

NOTED the forecast outturn for 2020/21

10.20am: Tony Madden left the meeting